Published: 31 October 2008
World Beating Green Technologies from Wales
World beating technologies developed in Wales for the green automotive sector were showcased at the UK’s first national low carbon vehicle event.
It positions Wales as a leading centre for the development of alternative fuel technologies and provides an opportunity to exhibit some unique technologies & vehicles that have been developed in Wales with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.
International Business Wales - the Assembly Government’s international trade and investment arm – is one of the sponsors of the event at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire.
Organised by CENEX (Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon & Fuel Cell Technology) the event is the launch pad for the Technology Strategy Board’s new Integrated Delivery Programme which will support the commercialisation of lower carbon vehicles in the UK with an initial investment of £50m.
The invitation-only event attracted more than 800 delegates including policy-makers and international experts from across Europe together with representatives from vehicles manufacturers, specialist supply chains, technology companies and fleet operators.
Wales had a high profile at the event and the Welsh pavilion featured:
- The Hydrogen Bus – the world’s first Tribrid minibus developed by Glamorgan University
- The only retrofit hybrid system in the world developed by Connaught Engineering
- The NARO car- a tandem two seater car with the dynamics of a motorbike
- Atraverda which is developing the world’s first commercially viable bi-polar lead acid battery using its patented Ebonex technology
- Stevens Vehicles – zero carbon emission electric powered cars and vans.
The recently opened Hydrogen Research Centre at Baglan Energy Park was also being promoted at the show along with the specialist expertise in Welsh Universities that are working on collaborative projects with the automotive industry.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said:
“The event presents an excellent opportunity to highlight and showcase some of the advanced and unique developments taking place in Wales.
The automotive industry is a key sector for our economy with more than 250 companies including around forty of the top 100 global leaders.
Ground breaking work is under way in Wales in the drive towards a lower carbon economy.
We are making an important contribution towards the creation of a green automotive industry and have a number of highly innovative products either on the market or under development, including low or zero carbon emission vehicles.
The development of new and innovative technologies and products will play an increasingly important role in the current economic climate.
At this event we shall be promoting the fact that the support of the Assembly Government, combined with the opportunity to collaborate on research projects with specialist departments in our universities, makes Wales an attractive choice for businesses.
The Assembly Government has supported:
- Connaught Engineering to set up its headquarters in Llanelli
- traverda which has relocated its UK headquarters to Abertillery
- The NARO car company which is developing its unique product in Wales
- Steven Vehicles which recently moved to Wales to set up its manufacturing base in Port Talbot
IBW will be promoting Wales as a first class location for technology companies looking to expand and Wales capabilities in alternative fuel powertrain and niche vehicle product design and development.
Prof Garel Rhys MBE, Cardiff Business School, Chair Welsh Automotive Forum spoke at the event on “The Low Carbon Debate”.
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